AI summary
Hands-on SME CNO Vulnerability Researcher role focused on finding software vulnerabilities, reverse engineering, and bypassing security mechanisms, with occasional project/team leadership. Join ManTech, a government contractor supporting mission-critical cyber programs, in an onsite position in the Columbia/Hanover, MD area. Standout requirement/perk: active TS/SCI with Polygraph required for the work.
Key skills
Vulnerability researchReverse engineeringIDA Pro / Ghidra / Radare / Binary NinjaPythonC/C++x86/x64 AssemblyStatic and dynamic program analysisKernel and user-land debuggingWindows/Linux/Mobile low-level internalsTS/SCI with Polygraph
Salary not listed — comparable TS/SCI poly SME vulnerability researcher roles in the Columbia, MD area often pay roughly $170k–$250k+ depending on contract, skills fit, and total experience.
You'll thrive here if you’re a seasoned vulnerability researcher who enjoys deep reverse engineering, low-level internals, and leading/mentoring others in a cleared onsite environment.
Why apply
- SME-level vulnerability research work
- Lead projects and mentor staff
- Work on cleared CNO programs
MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented SME CNO Vulnerability Researcher to join our team in Columbia, MD.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Researches and discovers software vulnerabilities.
- Reverse engineer software for security mechanism bypasses and perform as the team lead on projects, if/when needed.
- Assist in managing the designing, developing, documenting, testing, and debugging of user land and kernel software and systems.
- Researches and maintains proficiency in tools, techniques, countermeasures, and trends in computer network vulnerabilities, static and dynamic program analysis, network security, and encryption.
- Communicate statuses with leadership and supervise and mentor subordinate project and ICON Innovation Collaborative (IIC) staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and 12+ years’ experience OR High School and 16+ yrs experience OR Associates and 14+ yrs OR experience OR Master's and 10+ yrs experience OR PhD and 8+ yrs experience
- Seven (7) years of position-specific relevant experience.
- Experience in vulnerability research.
- Experience in reverse engineering and common security research tools (e.g., IdaPro, Ghidra, Radare, Binary Ninja, SysInternals, GDB, WinDBG, etc.).
- Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or Assembly (x86/x64) programming.
- CNO capability development experience.
- Proficiency in low-level internals in one or more technology areas (e.g., Windows, Linux, Mobile).
- Troubleshooting / debugging experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Computer Science or related technical field.
- Nine (9) years of position-specific relevant experience.
Clearance Requirements:
- Must have a current/active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
Physical Requirements:
- The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
- Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, or to communicate with co-workers, management, and customers, via email, phone, and or virtual communication, which may involve delivering presentations.